Wenger endured another frustrating day as his side crashed to their fourth loss in seven league games at White Hart Lane. The Gunners' disappointment was compounded by a potentially serious injury to Bacary Sagna who was taken to hospital with an ankle problem that could keep him out for several weeks.

Arsene Wenger

Arsenal's dismal start to the season mean they sit just two points above the bottom three and Wenger accepts it is unrealistic to consider his side to be likely challengers for the championship while they are in their current plight.

"I think at the moment we have to set realistic targets like to say today we want to get in the Champions League positions," Wenger said.

"At the moment we are 12 points behind Man United and Man City, it's not realistic to say today we will win the league. We have to fight to come back into a better position, that is the reality."

Wenger was clearly frustrated by the outcome and was involved in a confrontation with Clive Allen, one of the Tottenham coaching staff, after the final whistle. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: "Arsene shook hands with me. I think Clive went to shake hands with him and he missed Clive -- he didn't see him."

Wenger said: "I shook the hand of the manager and the assistant manager. How many people do I have to shake hands with? Is there a prescription? There were no words exchanged."